Examples of the fear of Allah:
Let’s now explore specific examples, more practical guidance, and additional inspiration for deepening the fear of Allah, while maintaining a balanced relationship with hope and love. Below are elaborated points enriched with examples, verses, and reflections.
1. Practical Stories of Fear of Allah
The lives of the Prophet ﷺ, the Sahaba (his companions), and early Muslim scholars are filled with profound moments of fear of Allah. Here are some powerful examples:
a) Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA): The First Caliph
Abu Bakr (RA), despite being promised Paradise, would weep out of fear of Allah. He would say:
• “I wish I were a tree that is cut down and not held accountable.”
This reflects his humility and deep awareness of standing before Allah on the Day of Judgment. He understood that Allah’s mercy is vast, but so is His justice.
b) Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA): The Second Caliph
Umar (RA) was known for his intense fear of Allah. Once, while reciting the verse:
• “Indeed, the punishment of your Lord is severe” (Surah Al-Buruj 85:12),
he fell ill, overwhelmed by the verse’s weight.
He would regularly ask himself, “What if I fail before Allah on the Day of Judgment?” Despite his unparalleled dedication to justice, he remained profoundly self-critical and mindful of Allah’s accountability.
c) The Young Shepherd
One of the most famous stories is about a young shepherd during the caliphate of Umar (RA). Umar wanted to test his integrity, so he asked him to sell one of his sheep. The boy replied, “The sheep is not mine; it belongs to my master.” Umar then said, “But no one is watching!”
The shepherd responded, “Where is Allah then?”
This young shepherd’s fear of Allah’s constant observation (muraqabah) drove him to act with integrity, even when he could have profited without being caught.
d) The Scholar Who Feared His Deeds
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (RA), known for his steadfastness and piety, once said:
• “If my sins were visible, no one would sit with me out of disgust.”
Despite being an icon of faith and knowledge, his fear of Allah kept him humble, always aware of his imperfections and Allah’s greatness.
2. Strengthening Fear of Allah Through Reflection
a) Reflect on Allah’s Attributes
Studying Allah’s names and attributes helps balance fear and hope. For instance:
1. Al-‘Aleem (The All-Knowing):
• Allah knows every hidden thought and intention. Reflecting on this prevents hypocrisy and insincerity.
• Qur’an: “Does He who created not know, while He is the Subtle, the Acquainted?” (Surah Al-Mulk 67:14)
2. Ash-Shadid al-‘Iqab (Severe in Punishment):
• Knowing Allah’s justice keeps the heart humble and vigilant.
• Qur’an: “Know that Allah is severe in penalty and that Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:98)
3. Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful):
• This balances fear, reminding us that Allah’s mercy encompasses all things.
b) Contemplate the Temporary Nature of Life
The fleeting nature of life reminds us of our ultimate return to Allah:
• Qur’an: “What is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion?” (Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:185)
Reflecting on the inevitability of death can cultivate a sense of urgency in rectifying one’s deeds and seeking Allah’s forgiveness.
c) Reflect on the Day of Judgment
Visualizing the Day of Judgment can awaken fear of accountability. Allah describes it as a day when:
• “Every soul will be recompensed for what it earned, and they will not be wronged.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:281)
The Qur’an paints vivid images of this day:
• The earth shaking violently (Surah Al-Zalzalah 99:1-8).
• People running in panic, forgetting their closest relatives (Surah Abasa 80:33-37).
Such verses inspire a longing to prepare for that moment.
3. Acts That Strengthen Fear of Allah
a) Engage in Night Prayer (Tahajjud)
Night prayer is one of the best ways to connect deeply with Allah. The quiet solitude allows reflection and intimate supplication.
• The Prophet ﷺ said: “The closest that Allah is to His servant is during the last third of the night, so if you can be among those who remember Allah at that time, then do so.” (Tirmidhi)
During tahajjud, recite verses about Allah’s greatness and the Hereafter to cultivate awe and fear.
b) Fast Voluntarily
Fasting instills discipline and self-control, keeping the believer mindful of Allah. It fosters an internal sense of accountability because only Allah knows whether one is truly fasting.
c) Regularly Recite Qur’anic Verses About Fear
Certain Qur’anic verses directly inspire the fear of Allah. Reflecting on their meanings during prayer or quiet moments helps internalize them. Examples include:
1. “And guard yourselves against a Day when you will be brought back to Allah.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:281)
2. “So as for he who transgressed and preferred the life of the world, then indeed, Hellfire will be [his] refuge.” (Surah An-Nazi’at 79:37-39)
d) Remember Death Frequently
The Prophet ﷺ said:
• “Remember often the destroyer of pleasures (death).” (Tirmidhi)
Visiting graves or attending funerals can stir the heart and remind one of their eventual return to Allah.
4. Balancing Fear with Hope
While fear is essential, it must always be paired with hope to avoid despair. This is beautifully illustrated in the Qur’an:
• “My mercy encompasses all things.” (Surah Al-A’raf 7:156)
The Prophet ﷺ narrated:
• “Allah says: ‘O son of Adam, as long as you call upon Me and ask of Me, I will forgive you for whatever you have done, and I will not mind.’” (Tirmidhi)
5. Encouragement for Constant Self-Purification
A heart filled with the fear of Allah becomes naturally inclined toward purification. Actions to maintain this include:
• Daily Istighfar: The Prophet ﷺ sought forgiveness more than 70 times daily.
• Charity in Secret: Giving charity without seeking recognition softens the heart and increases taqwa.
• Journaling Intentions: Write down your intentions regularly and assess whether they align with pleasing Allah.
6. A Du’a for Balanced Fear
End your worship or reflections with this du’a:
• “O Allah, grant me fear of You that acts as a barrier between me and disobedience to You. Grant me obedience to You that brings me closer to Your Paradise, and grant me certainty that makes the trials of this world easy for me.” (Tirmidhi)
Conclusion
The fear of Allah is not meant to overwhelm but to empower the believer. It inspires moral excellence, humility, and a deep sense of accountability. When paired with love and hope, it creates a harmonious relationship with Allah, driving the believer toward success in this world and the Hereafter.
Sheikh. Dr. Fakhriy Al-Qaisi